Rev Ed Sunday-Winters – Service
Hal Parker – Musical Director
Priscilla Bonney-Smith – Flowers
Sunday Service
December 24, 2025
“Christmas Eve”
5:00pm
Scripture Readings:
Luke 2: 1-5
Luke 2: 6-7
Luke 2: 8-14
Luke 2: 15-20
Matthew 2:1-11
SERMON: “Love Louder than Fear” by Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
*HYMN 132 (Songs of Spirit) O Come, All Ye Faithful
*HYMN 151 (Songs of Spirit) O Little Town of Bethlehem
*HYMN 150 (Songs of Spirit) Away in a Manger
*HYMN 137 (Songs of Spirit) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
*HYMN 162 (Songs of Spirit) We Three Kings of Orient Are
*RECESSIONAL HYMN 142 (Songs of Spirit) Silent Night, Holy Night
PRELUDE Sonata in F Major HWV 369 by GF Handel (1685-1759)
Gina Jenkins, recorder, Fran Rowell, cello, Hal, harpsichord — Grave, Allegro
OPENING PRAYER & LORDS PRAYER
Our God, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
*HYMN 132 (Songs of Spirit) O Come, All Ye Faithful
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
One: In a fearful world, where do you see the presence of God?
Many: We see God’s fingerprints all around us. We see God in the beauty of the stars. We see God in the love of this community. We see God in the dreams we hold for a better world.
One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, God is here. God is all around us. On this holy night, we light the Christ Candle as a reminder of this good news. May this flicker of light help us remember that even in a fearful world, God’s love is all around us.
<Light candle>
Many: Thanks be to God for a love like that! Amen.
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 1-5 Katherine Sims
*HYMN 151 (Songs of Spirit) O Little Town of Bethlehem
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 6-7 Shelly Jungwirth
*HYMN 150 (Songs of Spirit) Away in a Manger
CHILDREN’S TIME: Luke 2: 8-14 with Rev. Ed Sunday -Winters
*HYMN 137 (Songs of Spirit) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 15-20 John Howard
ANTHEM: “Child of God’s Compassion” by Lori True Gina Jenkins, recorder
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-11 Penny Bretscheider
*HYMN 162 (Songs of Spirit) We Three Kings of Orient Are
ANTHEM: “O Holy Night” by Dwight and Adams Keilah Figueroa-Ussi, soprano, Hal, piano
SERMON: “Love Louder than Fear” by Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
SILENCE
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy God, we have seen the longest night, and we have seen unimaginable love. Bless these gifts that others might know this great, good news that is for all people and experience that unimaginable love. Amen.
*BENEDICTION
*RECESSIONAL HYMN 142 (Songs of Spirit) Silent Night, Holy Night
As the music begins, individual candles will be lit. Once all candles are lit, those who wish to participate are invited to follow the recessional leader down the center aisle toward the back of the sanctuary. The recessional will conclude in the Fellowship Hall.